Sunseeker Resort targets meetings, convention tourism

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau partnered with Sunseeker Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, in March to host the Hilton Worldwide Sales Conference, aimed at promoting the resort and the broader destination, tourism official Lois Croft said. 

About 300 Hilton sales professionals attended the event, which showcased Sunseeker’s meeting and event capabilities while introducing attendees to Charlotte County’s waterfront amenities and attractions. Resort officials said Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach was selected for its mix of waterfront appeal, new hospitality offerings, strong meeting infrastructure and accessibility from key markets. 

Sunseeker is expanding its conference footprint, adding 100,000 square feet to its existing 60,000 square feet of meeting space. The expansion, expected to be completed in late 2027, is designed to accommodate larger conventions and group events as demand grows. 

Local officials said the added capacity could strengthen tourism and increase tax revenue in Charlotte County. Visitors staying at the resort contribute to the county’s 5% Tourist Development Tax on short-term accommodations, commonly known as the bed tax, and often spend at nearby restaurants, attractions and businesses 

The March conference highlighted Sunseeker’s current facilities and guest experience while positioning the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast as a destination for group, incentive and convention travel. 

“We were incredibly pleased with the success of the HWS Conference and the level of engagement it generated across our sales team,” said Vince Parrotta, vice president and managing director of Sunseeker Resort. 

“The event provided a valuable platform to connect, collaborate and showcase the unique offerings of Sunseeker Resort and the surrounding destination. It’s clear that the experience resonated strongly with our team, further reinforcing confidence in the market and its potential for future group business.” 

The event comes as both the resort and the region continue to recover from recent challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and damage from hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, which disrupted tourism and delayed events. 

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., parent of Allegiant Air, began construction of Sunseeker in 2019. The project faced multiple setbacks, including about $35 million in damage during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and additional delays caused by smaller incidents. The resort ultimately opened in December 2023 at a reported cost of $695 million. 

Despite its scale, the property initially struggled to meet occupancy expectations under Allegiant. The company later sold the resort and related assets, including a golf course, to Blackstone Group for $200 million. The property was subsequently rebranded under the Curio Collection by Hilton. 

Tourism activity in Charlotte County also has rebounded. The visitor bureau resumed hosting major events in 2025, including the Florida International Air Show at Punta Gorda Airport and Waterfest at Englewood Beach, after cancellations tied to hurricane damage. 

County and resort officials said the partnership is expected to help attract more meetings, events and visitors. Parrotta said the conference increased awareness among Hilton’s sales team, many of whom were visiting the area for the first time, and influenced group bookings nationwide. 

Croft said the visitor bureau continues to promote Charlotte County through partnerships and marketing initiatives aimed at driving visitation and supporting the local economy. 

“We work with a variety of stakeholders to develop and implement marketing programs that attract visitors, generate economic benefits and enhance the quality of life for residents,” she said.